Meadows

WESTERN BUREAU:

Opposition Leader Bruce Golding led a constituency tour and public meeting yesterday, marking the official launch of the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) campaign in North Trelawny.

According to constituency caretaker, Dennis Meadows, the campaign will target young people during the more than 200 district meetings that have been scheduled.

"Our campaign will be about growth and prosperity for the constituency," explained Meadows, who is also the JLP's deputy general secretary. "Our young people are yearning for growth and development as they, as a significant social group, are at risk with poor educational opportunities, lack of jobs and a sense of hopelessness that has pervaded their psyche, which manifest in deviant social behaviour."

Meadows will contest the incumbent People's National Party (PNP) Member of Parliament, Dr. Patrick Harris, for the constituency, which stretches from Salt Marsh to Stewart Town in the east.

Not surprised

"Our canvass is showing us leading the PNP significantly. We are not surprised, bearing in mind that in 1997, the PNP won this seat by 2,571. In 2002, their majority was reduced to 1,189," Meadows stated.

"My team and I will be seeking to increase that margin of victory through an effective and honest campaign. We will be winning this campaign on honesty, no false promises, the people are tired of politicians representing themselves falsely."

Over the past year, the JLP candidate has been conducting house-to-house visits, and meeting with various civic and social groups, with a view to strength-ening the party's machinery in the constituency.

Meadows has also expressed confidence in wresting the seat from Dr. Harris, whom he says has been "a dismal failure" in representing the interests of North Trelawny.

He contends that the populace is demanding effective representation at a time when the constituency is on the threshold of multimillion-dollar developments.